Pardew: The moment I knew I had to leave Newcastle

Speaking to the Standard, Pardew admitted that it was Newcastle’s victory over Everton which signalled to him he had to leave St James’ Park.

The 53-year-old coach said: “The next day [after the 3-2 win over Everton], the reaction in the press and the town was that we won because of their deficiencies. I thought to myself, ‘what am I ever going to win here?’ I thought maybe it’s time to go, it’s better for them and better for me.”

Despite leading Newcastle to a fifth placed finish in 2012, and claiming the Premier League Manager of the Year award for the same year, Pardew’s last two years on Tyneside could not have gone any less smooth.

Mass selling of key players, as well as poor management led to fan discontent, and considering many had never warmed to Pardew in the first place, it did not take long for the majority of St James’ Park to turn on him.

And, going by the Magpies form in his last season, they rightfully turned on him.

However, Pardew is correct to highlight something of an agenda against him, as Newcastle put in a good performance in that victory over Everton, yet praise was still not forthcoming.

He has since departed to join Palace as head coach, and he is enjoying a positive start to his management career at Selhurst Park - a ground in which he is universally loved due to his playing exploits.

Pardew was never given a free ride during his time at Newcastle, but his success has been forgotten all to soon. He may not be a great manager, but he is good at Premier League level, and if Newcastle survive relegation this term, they have Pardew to thank for picking up much needed points earlier in the campaign.

Billy Hawkins

Billy is a freelance writer who contributes to various sites concerning football. Known to possess an obsession with statistics, Eastern European club sides, and Victorian football, he focuses upon the untapped potential of the Football League in the belief it is more enjoyable than the Premier League.